posted 02-19-2004 11:14 AM         

CAV-2 Is for canine hepatitis..

posted 02-20-2004 09:23 AM         

Permission to crosspost:

Vaccination Protocols May Be Changing Again
_____________________________________

Vaccinations: All Veterinary Schools in North America Changing
Vaccination
Protocols

Recent editions of the Senior Dogs Project's newsletter have reported on
the ever-broadening trend of eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs,
except for rabies, where required by state law. We have now had a report
that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of
changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.

Here, in a nutshell, are the new guidelines under consideration: "Dogs
and
cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus
(MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity,
which
is good for the life of the pet (i.e., canine distemper, parvo, feline
distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies
from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and
there is little or no effect. The titer
is not
'boosted'
nor are more memory cells induced.

"Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they
subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and
immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation
to
back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies
receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection
can
last 8-14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS
than
8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little
protection (0-38%) will be produced.

Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first
highly
effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than
stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting
at
8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another
vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4
months) will provide lifetime immunity." srdogs.com http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/news.apr.may.3.html

The most recently accepted protocol that your vet should be following
can
be found at: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/SAVP2.HTM